Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I want to clarify the position in regard to public schemes expenditure. The Government has not been found wanting in regard to increases in public schemes expenditure. In the period 1997-2003, Exchequer expenditure on water infrastructure increased by128%, from €207 million to €471 million. The Government has a commitment to water infrastructure under the current national development plan, which is reflected in the €4.4 billion being made available for the period 2002-06. The purpose of this is to deliver a first class water service to the people. The spend is three times greater than that invested in the previous national plan.

On the rural water programme, in 2004 the Government allocated €100 million, four times that allocated in 1997. The Government is taking seriously its responsibility and providing substantial funds to upgrade and provide new schemes throughout the country.